For most of us, the New Year is a time to take stock of our lives and change things we don’t like.
New Year’s resolutions are tricky for adults, and even harder for kids and the truth is that they are rarely successful. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on making New Year resolutions, as they do serve a purpose.
The following are useful tips for making New Year resolutions with your child.
1. Make it a family affair
A good way to teach your child the importance of New Year resolutions is to make it a family affair.
Sit down at the end or beginning of every year and reflect on the past year. Together you can talk about your accomplishments and goals, both as individuals and as a family.
When children see their parents making New Year resolutions, they will be more willing to do the same thing.
2. Make it simple
Most often young children might be a little too young to make a conscious decision to change their behaviour. You can help your children make New Year’s resolutions by making it simple.
Resolutions like “I will make my bed every morning”, “I will brush my teeth twice a day”, “I will not fight with my brother” and “I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating”, are very easy to make and remember.
3. Offer rewards
Everyone likes to be rewarded for good behaviour. In particular children love the thrill of accomplishment, most especially when their parents praise them for it.
So when your children make these New Year resolutions offer tangible rewards that will motivate them to carry on their resolutions throughout the year.
And at the end of each year when you sit down to review the previous years resolutions offer praise and encouragement. This is not a time for punishment.
Each New Year offers us a fresh start to make positive changes in our lives. Teaching our children how to do this is one important skill that will prove useful to them in future.
Do you make New Year resolutons with your child?
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